I'm planning a trip this winter, looking at going to El Potrero Chico to do some climbing. I started looking into travel insurance, and am having some difficulties. I found plenty of companies that offer policies that cover rock climbing, but the issue is that the Canadian Government has put in place an 'Official Travel Advisory' against northern Mexico and it turns out that most companies don't like this.

Have any Canadians who have recently traveled to El Potrero Chico recently gotten out a travel insurance policy that cover your ass in an area with an official travel advisory? If not, does anyone know where to look, I've checked in with the Co-operaters (MEC), CAA, and Transat... all a no-go if there is a travel advisory.

I'm planning a trip this winter, looking at going to El Potrero Chico to do some climbing. I started looking into travel insurance, and am having some difficulties. I found plenty of companies that offer policies that cover rock climbing, but the issue is that the Canadian Government has put in place an 'Official Travel Advisory' against northern Mexico and it turns out that most companies don't like this.

Have any Canadians who have recently traveled to El Potrero Chico recently gotten out a travel insurance policy that cover your ass in an area with an official travel advisory? If not, does anyone know where to look, I've checked in with the Co-operaters (MEC), CAA, and Transat... all a no-go if there is a travel advisory.

Cheers! S

Insurance to cover medical or articles? I was under the understanding that your social healthcare system covers you outside Canada as well, is that not true? In the case of medical, you really dont want to get hurt in EPC. The nearest town has no qualified EMS personal, the ambulances are driven by the police and if I recall right, and it is about a 45 min drive to the nearest ER with an emergency vehicle.

Yea, we have limited coverage outside of Canada, but we still do have coverage...

As for not getting insurance because its not a good idea to get hurt... I don't think that people plan to get hurt, but shit happens... hence the big wide world of insurance companies.

I am just telling you that if you get critically injured in EPC dont expect a chopper to fly you to the ER on the express; thus, be careful. As far as medical insurance goes, you could try http://www.medexassist.com/. Also, the American Alpine Club offers limited rescue insurance for its members. I dont know if it only provides coverage for rescues themselves, or if they will cover medical bills as well. But, with a coverage limit of $10,000, that wont even put a dent in a major medical bill. If you are critically injured, you better hope you have at least $250,000 in coverage.

when you book your flight with a travel agent get insurance with them. cheap too. I think last time I paid 25 bucks for a month included everything including cancellation insurance, medical, etc. they don't care if you're laying on the beach, bull-fighting or climbing rocks. if you are driving down you are on your own but good luck and have fun.

I am just telling you that if you get critically injured in EPC dont expect a chopper to fly you to the ER on the express; thus, be careful.

Funny, I've seen three separate chopper evacs out of the Potrero for climbers in past years.

To the original poster, I've purchased Mexican auto insurance from Sanborn's, a Laredo, TX company many times, and they are great to work with. Their page has some beta on medical insurance for travelers in Mexico:

When I was injured there was a chopper there within 20 minutes. Unfortunately, they couldn't pick us off the wall so they had to wait 4 hours for us to get down but then I was in the best hospital in Monterrey in 10 minutes.